Isaac Haile Selassie Interview.

This interview was conducted by Ras James via e-mail with Isaac Haile Selassie. It was quite an honor to be able to do this interview with Isaac.

RJ: Who were your biggest musical influences?

IHS: I had so many musical influences from the whole world starting back home in Ethiopia like from late 60s great singers like Telahun Gasesae, Mahamad Ahamude, Melkemu Tebege, etc. to Mariam Makeba from South Africa, and  from far East Indian movies to European and American rock and roll in the '70s, so many to mention.

The one made a great influence spiritually is Bob Marley in 1977 when I needed healing from so many things; because of him, I became a reggae artist.

RJ: What was it like to have been raised under the supervision of His Majesty?
IHS: I don't know if I have a word to express what it is like, because those of us who were raised by His Majesty came frome different provinces and spoke different dialects, and we were put together in one boarding school, and taught to love and respect everyone, from our early childhood. That helped me to stay out of trouble, to travel light, to love everyone the same way even though that's my greatest challenge in life. It was so beautiful, I don't know how to explain it--we grew up freely, physically and spiritually.

RJ: When did you get involved with reggae music?

IHS: In 1977, right after I heard Bob Marley for the first time--although I didn't speak English, his words sounded like truth to my ears; that's what influenced me to be a reggae musician.

RJ: What was your favorite show you performed?

IHS: There are so many shows, a few to mention are Roots Mountain Reggae in Washington and One Root Festival near Sacramento, which was 11 days after 9/11, also Hopiland Indian Reservation in Arizona. Another was in Toronto, Canada, which was a Jamaican/Ethiopian unity show celebrating H.I.M.'s 70th coronation anniversary. I'm hoping the best is yet to come.

RJ: What is your favorite song to perform live?

IHS  Out of so many songs--one favorite is in Amharic and English--"Can You Hear Me Knocking," also "Heading To The End," and some of my new tunes--"Play Your Part," Temesgon," "Black Panther," to name a few.

RJ: Who are some of your favorite current artists?
IHS:  Lucky Dube, Luciano, Misty in Roots, Salif Keita and Vusi Mahalesa (South African), to name a few.

RJ: Do you have any upcoming releases or events that people would be interested to know about?

IHS: Yes, I'm performing in South Africa at Cape Fest on January 18th where I'll be playing a lot of new tunes and am also working on my new cd. For more information, please visit my web site: www.IsaacHaileSelassie.com

RJ: Anything else you would like to add?
IHS: Yes--my musical motive is not to make a hit song and become a star. As I said, Bob Marley's music changed my life spiritually and I want to help change people's lives in a positive, spiritual way. That's my goal with my music. Give thanks for giving me a chance to express myself.

Thank you to Isaac Haile Selassie for doing this interview with us. Have a Happy New year.